Go ahead and create new region but leave out Dagbon - Kampakuya Naa

Acting President of the Dagbin Traditional Council Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani has clarified his stance on the creation of a new region from the existing Northern Region appealing to government to go ahead with its initial plans but reminded them of a decision by the Council Dagbon must not be split.

Government through the Ministry Regional Organisation and Development is currently consulting with chiefs and people of the Northern Region with the view of carving a new region from the existing one.

There are however challenges as the Dagbon Traditional Council has warned that it is not in any way prepared to cede any land under its jurisdiction to a yet to be created region.

Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani explained that he is not averse to the partitioning of the region as being speculated in sections of the media but wants those in authority to go ahead with their plans but must allow the status quo in Dagbon to remain

“I did not say government should not divide the Northern Region; we said government should not divide Dagbon into two. There can be a new [region] for our brothers, the Gonjas or for the Mamprusis, but Dagbon should remain one and not split” he said in his New Year message.

His fears are that any land under his jurisdiction ceded to the proposed Eastern corridor region could restrict the powers of the overlord of Dagbon.

“A kingdom divided cannot stand. We want full Dagbon and not half Dagbon”, the Regent noted.

Meanwhile, a group calling themselves Coalition of Eastern Corridor Youth has staged a street protest against the Council’s decision to kick against the creation of a new region which will spilt Dagbon into Western and Eastern fronts and displace at least a million Dagombas.

But the regent reiterated that Traditional Council is not against the creation of a new region but just taking steps to protect the territorial integrity of Dagbon lands to avert future conflicts.

In a message commemorating the New Year, he advised the rampaging youth to be law abiding, desist from acts and decisions that could harm peace and security in the area and learn to control themselves even in the face of extreme provocations.